Viking has seen its fourth ocean ship, Viking Sun, officially named during a celebration in the heart of Shanghai.
The ship is currently sailing Viking’s sold-out 141-day world cruise from Miami to London, and its stop in Shanghai marks the first time one of Viking’s ocean ships has called in China.
Viking Sun is also the first-ever cruise ship to be named on The Bund in Shanghai.
The 930-guest, 47,800-ton Viking Sun arrived in Shanghai this morning, navigating into the mouth of the Yangtze River and then up the Huangpu River into central Shanghai, where she received a warm welcome from local residents and boats in the harbour.
“I am very pleased to officially name our newest ship in Shanghai.
“We care deeply about tourism in China, and we have been bringing river cruise guests here since 2004,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking.
“China is the home of Viking Sun’s Godmother, Yi Lou, and in the coming year, Shanghai will also welcome our fifth ship, Viking Orion.
“We look forward to introducing thousands of new travellers to the cultural treasures in Shanghai and throughout China.”
After arriving, Viking Sun was positioned at the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, adjacent to a concert stage constructed specifically for the celebration.
Viking guests and international dignitaries were treated to a high-tech show and musical concert on the waterfront that paid tribute to the special friendship between Norway and China.
On a giant wave-like screen built alongside the ship, a projected animation depicted the story of silk – the ancient trade that has formed a cultural bond between Norway and China.
While this is the first time one of Viking’s ocean ships has called in China, the company has a long history with the China tourism industry.
Operating river cruises on the Yangtze since 2004, Viking has been one of the largest sources of inbound travellers from North America.
In 2016, Viking began offering a new river cruise product designed specifically for Chinese travellers who wish to travel to Europe.